Planting the seed corn

The invitation came. This time, I went; observed, listened, participated and more importantly, I learned. The invitation was to attend the 56th Cherokee National Holiday held in Tahlequah, Oklahoma and to hear the Cherokee Nation State of the Nation Address by Principal Chief Chad "Corntassel" Smith. I traveled with Kilgoreite Dorothy Mitchell, who belonged to the First Families who arrived in Indian Nation before the Trail of Tears.

We were met by other members of her family, Gary and Rochelle Smith who rolled out the red carpet to their home and became guides to the three day event filled with parades, speeches, golf and softball tournaments, art and craft shows, quilt contests, traditional Indian games, and yes, the Powwow featuring the Fancy Dancerstraditional dancers in full regalia. Other family members included Wayne and Mary Wright from Houston. Wayne had entered two exhibits in the art shows and they spent many hours afterwards cleaning the Martin family cemetery at Manard where Hercules Terrapin Martin is buried.

"Planting the Seed Corn for Our Children's Future" was the theme used for the festival and the State of the Nation Address. The chief outlined the purpose of preserving part of what was sowed for future generations and challenged all to plant the corn provided to those in attendance and bring back some of the harvest for next year's festival as a symbol of the generations to come. He spoke of medicine, jobs, and language and gave a progress report. He finalized by again speaking of preservation and using the words of a famous spokesperson - "do this so our children can help themselves."

I stood in the presence of former Principal Chief Wilma Mankiller. Such an honor to be able to shake her hand and briefly speak with her. She remains an inspiration to many. A picture taken of her was one of the highlights of my visit.

Other names that rang out in honor during the address and associated with Kilgore families were the Matlocks and Deerinwaters. And for those who have been asking, the Starrs were not seen, per say, but, their presence was known.

Needless to say, whether it was at a cemetery, a meeting, or an arts and crafts booth, Dorothy and I was treated like royalty. "Hospitable" is a word I always use to describe Oklahomans, and for the most part, it flourished in Tahlequah this last weekend.

Yes, we brought back many pictures including those of the military cemetery at Fort Gibson where Talahina Rogers,

Cherokee wife of Sam Houston was honorably buried in the officer's circle, and a picture of Sam Houston's sword. We thank Angie at the Tahlequah Police Department for "going beyond" to help us and to Delbert Wilson, master of the Cherokee Masonic Lodge #10 for taking his holiday to let us in the lodge to see the sword. Many thanks to all of those who helped to make our visit such a pleasure.

Dorothy asked me once we arrived home, "Linda, did we at any time just sit down and rest?" "No, too much going on, too much to learn," I answered.

"Allow us Lord to plant the seed, water the vine, nourish, watch over and harvest it forward in your name…" is a prayer often used from those who have dedicated their lives to moving forward in His name and one often used among the Cherokee Nation. Planting seeds and building for future generations - nothing wrong with that.

May His Love and Laughter Fill Your Hearts and Your Homes Throughout the Week. In the meantime, I may be reached at chitchatlinda@ aol.com or at 903-984- 2593.